MANILA, Philippines (6th UPDATE) – Ilocos Norte was placed under a state of calamity Saturday afternoon, August 24, after Severe Tropical Storm Ineng (Bailu) and the southwest monsoon brought heavy rains that caused massive flooding in the province.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan voted in favor of a resolution to declare a state of calamity in the province due to Ineng during an emergency session on Saturday afternoon.
The declaration of a state of calamity was recommended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council.
At least 2 people were killed and two hurt in the province due to heavy rains nd flooding.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc said in a statement on Saturday that 4,595 families or more than 18,000 people were affected by heavy rains and floods, while damage to infrastructure and agriculture stood at P231.62 million public infrastructure and agriculture.
He said in another statement late Saturday that he suspended work in government and the private sector on Sunday, August 25, “to give way to the task of clearing roads and ensuring transportation safety before regular operations resume.”
Those on frontline services, however, would still have to report for post-disaster management measures, the governor said.
Laoag, Vintar declare state of calamity
The Laoag City Council declared a state of calamity in the city Saturday morning, as the city was hard-hit by flooding.
“The City Government is exerting all its efforts to address the situation especially for those affected or displaced by the flooding caused by Typhoon Ineng,” the city government said Saturday morning.
City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon suspended work and classes at all levels in Laoag City on Saturday, “due to heavy rainfall and flood hazards” brought by Ineng.
The Municipal Council of Vintar also declared a state of calamity.
Police conducted rescue operations in heavily-flooded areas such as Barangay 7B in Laoag City, where they evacuated a woman and her newborn using the interior of a discarded refrigerator.
According to the Laoag City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Ineng affected a total of 109 families or 403 people in the city. Over a hundred families were being served in 11 of the city’s evacuation centers as of Saturday.
Other parts of Ilocos Norte experienced flooding as well. – Rappler.com
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